What is Assistive Technology?

"Assistive Technology" includes
devices that people with disabilities can use to help themselves communicate, learn, travel, do household chores, care for themselves, and have fun. An Assistive Technology device is defined in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 as amended as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities."

Assistive technology services are defined as "any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device."

What is Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library?

Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library is a free service that loans assistive technology devices to people with disabilities. It's available to Pennsylvanians of all ages and disabilities.

Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library Annual Report

Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library has just completed another successful year of providing Pennsylvanians with disabilities of all ages, their families, and service providers an opportunity to "try before you buy." The Lending Library enables individuals to make decisions about the assistive devices that will help them. Between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2014, almost 1300 devices were sent to borrowers—from 56 counties—who made more than 1038 separate requests for devices. Although deep cuts to our budget over the last several years has limited our ability to provide a sufficient supply of current technologies, we are happy to announce the additions of new augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, low vision and hearing-related equipment, and yes - even some iPads for loan. These items will begin circulating on or about September, 2014.

What Assistive Technology is available and how do I borrow it?

Requests for devices can be made by you, a family member, friend or advocate, or someone who is helping you with your assistive technology needs (e.g., a therapist, teacher, rehabilitation counselor).

More About Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library

THE AT LENDING LIBRARY IS
PRIMARILY SUPPORTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WITH FUNDING THROUGH THE OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION, PA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY. IN ADDITION, THE LENDING LIBRARY RECEIVES FINANCIAL SUPPORT THROUGH THE US DEPARTMENT
OF EDUCATION, REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION PROVIDED TO THE INSTITUTE ON DISABILITIES AS A PART OF PENNSYLVANIA'S INITIATIVE ON ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY, THE COMMONWEALTH'S ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACT PROGRAM. VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS FROM USERS OF THE LENDING LIBRARY ALSO HELP TO CONTINUE AND EXPAND THIS IMPORTANT PROGRAM.

Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library is a program of Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT).